David Trotter has been involved in Great Lakes shipwreck searching, diving, exploration, and documenting new discoveries for 35+ Years.
In solving “History’s Mysteries” he has made significant contributions to the history of our Great Lakes and provided new exploration opportunities for sport and technical divers to enjoy.
His Discoveries have been featured on the Discovery Channel, PBS, NBC, and in The New York Times, Detroit News, Detroit Free Press, “Wreck Diver”, “Immersed”, “Canadian Diver” and “Lakeland Boating”.
David’s articles on Great Lakes shipwrecks have been published in historical journals and national scuba diving publications.
He has searched and discovered shipwrecks in all the Great Lakes (except Lake Ontario). In a unique odyssey, the 15 years of dedicated effort to discover the largest schooner built in Canada (the 250’ Minnedosa) has now resulted in surveying over 2,000 square miles of Lake Huron. This has been a one of a kind adventure with 90 new sites found; including Airplanes, the steamer Daniel J Morrell, the steamer W. C. Franz, the Schooner Marion Egan, the Hydrus and the steamer Goliath (naming just a few of the discoveries). The Goliath was designed by John Ericsson in 1846, fifteen years before he designed the ironclad “Monitor” of American Civil War fame.
David believes the Great Lakes are “Our Treasure” to be enjoyed by all who love our “Inland Seas” and our maritime history. It is the shipwreck hunter discovering and the diver exploring a shipwreck (in 20’ or 300’ of Water) that has that unique experience of traveling back into time.
Our World Underwater (Chicago) honored David’s contribution to diving and Great Lakes maritime history by presenting him with the special 2010 OWU Achievement Award. In 2016, the Association for Great Lakes Maritime History (AGLMH) honored David with the prestigious C. Patrick Labadie Award For Historic Preservation.
Web Site: www.shipwreck1.com
“Desperate Voyage”
Discovery and Exploration of the Keystone State
The 288’ Sidewheel Steamer Keystone State has been discovered in Lake Huron. She was the second largest ship on the Great Lakes when launched in 1849. Following the outbreak of Civil War hostilities in April, 1861, her loss, more than 150 years ago with a crew of 33, was a significant tragedy.
